History of Reform Efforts: Arizona

Altering Selection Methods

Method of selection and term lengths for Arizona judges are prescribed in the constitution. Thus, any changes must occur through constitutional amendment. Amendments to the constitution may be proposed by the legislature or by initiative petition. If a proposed amendment is passed by a majority of both houses of the legislature, or the initiative petition is signed by a number of voters equal to at least 15% of votes cast for governor in the last election, the proposed amendment is submitted to the voters at the next general election. The proposed amendment must be approved by a majority of voters.